From tacos, tattoos and DJ sets to art workshops for kids, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Creative Open.

Creative businesses, studios and venues across the Northern Beaches will throw open their doors to host more than 50 fun and creative events from 27 – 30 July.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the four-day creative festival continues to showcase the Beaches’ bourgeoning contemporary art scene.

“Creative Open celebrates all things creative and puts the Northern Beaches firmly on Sydney’s creative and cultural map,” Mayor Heins said.

“Catch the Manly ferry across to the Northern Beaches and enjoy four fabulous days of culture and creativity. With more than 50 amazing events to choose from, you can pull back the curtain on our thriving local arts community and learn new creative skills along the way.

“Go behind the scenes at local studios and workshops, explore exhibitions, watch live performances and experience the very best the Northern Beaches creative scene has to offer.”

The winter arts festival celebrates and showcases art, design and music. Visitors can choose their own adventure across the four days, including performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks, dining experiences, street art and so much more.

Part of this year’s program includes a special Tacos, Tunes & Tattoos happy hour event at Manly Art Gallery and Museum (MAG&M), from 5 – 8pm on Friday 28 July. There will be live tattooing by Whistler St Tattoo, beats by DJ La Foxy Fuzz and tacos from popular food truck Dope Fusion. You can grab a glass of wine and explore current exhibitions Ink in the Lines and Blak Douglas: Inverted Commoners.

There will be live music at local breweries, pubs and clubs across the Northern Beaches, including indie-rockers Blind Eliza, roots musician Declan Kelly, jazz and experimental acts Peta Morris and Cone of Confusion, plus singer-songwriter and DJ sessions.

First Nations art and creativity will also be celebrated as part of the festival. Creative Open ambassador and proud Barkindtji and Yorta Yorta woman Tegan Murdock will run a two-hour workshop at her new Narrabeen studio Ngumpie Weaving on Saturday 29 July.

Aboriginal-owned Bush to Bowl in Terrey Hills will run an interactive cooking lesson on Sunday 30 July, demonstrating how to use native bush tucker plants in everyday cooking. 

Local makers will takeover Manly Library on Saturday 29 July to showcase and sell handmade ceramics, jewellery, wall hangings, literature, homewares, handcrafts, paintings and prints.

Also on Saturday 29 July, Tramsheds Arts and Community Centre at Narrabeen will run an art workshop for kids, exploring mindfulness, nature and creativity.

Other events include ceramic workshops, drawing and painting lessons, eco-dyeing workshops, perfume making, printmaking lessons, virtual reality experiences, basket weaving, writing and literary events, theatre, and a fun and arty scavenger hunt.

To see the full program visit https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/creative-open